Re: What Beer Are You Drinking? - Spring 2012

Originally Posted by AaronWF

I had a Sucaba the other week. I'm just not a big fan of the barleywine style. I enjoyed my bottle (and cellared another one), but it really was a little one-sided for my taste. I much preferred the Anniversary Ale from FW, which I guess contained some of the Sucaba, among other beers.

I can take or leave standard barleywines (much prefer imperial stouts), and don't keep many on hand. Prefer English to American, as I'm not a huge hophead. But the handful of barrel-aged barleywines of either type that I've had have left me in a happy state.

I really like the Central Waters barrel-aged offering, and at $12 a four pack it's a great value and a nice way to enjoy a solo pour without negating the next four hours of neural activity. I have one from Uinta called Cockeyed Cooper that I need to try one of these eves.

FW XV is great. I know a place out my way that still has a few if you're looking. I look forward to trying FW's BBA stout, Parabola, when it comes out sometime in the next month or so.

Re: What Beer Are You Drinking? - Spring 2012

Originally Posted by ratcheer

I know I am way behind the curve, but I just had my first IPA, Sweetwater from Atlanta. It was very bitter and gave a strong impression of juniper to my nose, and a strong taste of grapefruit. It was not objectionable, but it was very different from anything I've ever had, before.

Tim

Just for kicks try a west coast IPA. I think Stone is in Ala now. (I'm used to running across the state line for my brews and whiskey.) Look for Stone IPA. For a nice contrast to Stone try Dogfish Head 60 minute IPA.

Stone IPA is probably a good example of a west coast hop bomb. (Stone has hoppier beers but most come in 22oz bottles which aren't allowed in AL yet - BUT, if Stone Ruination is available in 12oz bottles now, I'd suggest it over the regular IPA.) The Dogfish Head (from Delaware) is a little maltier and makes for a good comparison of different takes on the same style.

Re: What Beer Are You Drinking? - Spring 2012

Founders Porter while I relax after a busy day, and a day with the roofers pounding away while we have the roof redone. I think this is my favorite Porter of those that I've tried. Did a Porter Showdown last weekend with the porter offerings from Founders, Great Lakes, Sweetwater, Bell's, and Sierra Nevada. Founders was far and away the creamiest, biggest, and flavorful of the 5. The Great Lakes, Sweetwater and Bell's were pretty much equal, with each having various "better" characteristics. And, surprisingly (since I love many of their beers) the Sierra Nevada was a very distant last place. Just nothing compared to the others.

Re: What Beer Are You Drinking? - Spring 2012

Originally Posted by smokinjoe

Founders Porter while I relax after a busy day, and a day with the roofers pounding away while we have the roof redone. I think this is my favorite Porter of those that I've tried. Did a Porter Showdown last weekend with the porter offerings from Founders, Great Lakes, Sweetwater, Bell's, and Sierra Nevada. Founders was far and away the creamiest, biggest, and flavorful of the 5. The Great Lakes, Sweetwater and Bell's were pretty much equal, with each having various "better" characteristics. And, surprisingly (since I love many of their beers) the Sierra Nevada was a very distant last place. Just nothing compared to the others.

Re: What Beer Are You Drinking? - Spring 2012

Originally Posted by smokinjoe

Founders Porter while I relax after a busy day, and a day with the roofers pounding away while we have the roof redone. I think this is my favorite Porter of those that I've tried. Did a Porter Showdown last weekend with the porter offerings from Founders, Great Lakes, Sweetwater, Bell's, and Sierra Nevada. Founders was far and away the creamiest, biggest, and flavorful of the 5. The Great Lakes, Sweetwater and Bell's were pretty much equal, with each having various "better" characteristics. And, surprisingly (since I love many of their beers) the Sierra Nevada was a very distant last place. Just nothing compared to the others.

Now, it's time for whiskey.

I am a big fan of Founders Porter. I'd throw Anchor Porter into the mix as well.